The NSW Department of Education's Languages and Culture team invites expressions of interest from early career secondary teachers of languages (Years 7-12) who are interested in being mentored through the Virtual Languages Mentoring Network (VLMN) in 2018.

The Virtual Languages Mentoring Network supports the wellbeing and professional growth of early career languages teachers.

The VLMN program:

- provides early career languages teachers with an experienced, language-specific teacher mentor

- supports the development of trusting, productive and mutually beneficial professional relationships

- encourages critical conversations and self-reflection

- develops the professionalism of teachers as they work toward best practice and accreditation

- provides high quality, relevant and evidence-based professional learning

- develops and supports robust professional networks

- promotes teacher wellbeing and work-life balance

- fosters a growth mindset.

We have five places available in 2018. The languages available are:

- French

- German

- Spanish.

Teachers of Aboriginal Languages are also encouraged to apply.

If you teach a language not listed above, please contact the program manager to discuss joining the program in 2019.

- All participants are committed to meeting timelines for communication and deliverables.

Selection criteriaWe are looking for participants who will commit to the program, and commit to growing as teaching professionals. If you feel like you have a lot to learn, would like to connect with more experienced colleagues, want to build your confidence and skills as a professional, and are enthusiastic and open, we would like to hear from you.

At the time of application you must:- be an employee of the NSW Department of Education, in your first three years of teaching in a metropolitan or outer metropolitan school, or first five years of teaching in a rural/remote school- have a permanent or long-term temporary (4 terms +) appointment- teach at least 50% of a full time load in languages.

All expressions of interest must be endorsed by the applicant’s current principal. The program guidelines are attached for the information of applicants and their principals.

If you are interested in becoming part of the Virtual Languages Mentoring Network, please complete the attached EOI form, and include a brief statement supporting your application (no more than one A4 page). Email your endorsed application as a PDF to the program manager, Michelle Walls by 5pm on Friday, 16 February 2018 (Week 3).

ALL: Please bring this opportunity to the attention of any early career languages teacher who could benefit from this mentoring program.